I will soon be searching for a Chevy muscle car. I want a hi po 350 or a big block suitable for street cruising with emphasis on practicality. That is, not extreme high h.p., not too heavy, easy to work on, practical for any size car from a Corvette to a Chevelle. What do you suggest?

Are there many differences between big blocks in size, weight, motor mounts, transmission mounting, etc? I am thinking mainly 396, 427, and 454. Thanks for your help.